ACCIDENTAL ENTRY OF AN IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR LEAD INTO THE LEFT HEPATIC VEIN DETECTED BY TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

We report a case of accidental entry of an implantable cardioverter de fibrillator lead into the hepatic vein, which was not noted on fluoros copy but was apparent when transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used incidentally. The lead was depicted in the hepatic vein as strong ly echogenic, accompanied by an acoustic shadow. Additional bending of the stylet was helpful for successful advancement of the lead. TEE pr ovides additional information in such cases, although indications for its use should be explored because of its possible complications.